Cardinal Keeler urges Senate to pass Child Custody Protection Act

Published: 2006-07-20

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore urged the U.S. Senate July 19 to pass the Child Custody Protection Act. The legislation would prohibit someone who is not the parent or guardian from transporting a minor across state lines for an abortion if the minor's home state has a law requiring parental notification or consent before the minor can obtain an abortion. Most states have such laws, although some have been blocked in court. The bill would permit criminal prosecution of the person who transported the minor, with penalties including up to a year in prison, and civil action by the parent whose rights were violated. "Many states have wisely chosen to protect parents' rights in this area, and the intent of their protective laws should not be thwarted," said Cardinal Keeler, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities.

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